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Purpose

Most proposed physiotherapy techniques for rehabilitation of hamstring injuries have not been assessed using randomised trials. Those that have only have single studies with a limited range of participants and outcomes. There is limited evidence to suggest that time to recovery for elite athletes can be reduced with an increased daily frequency of hamstring stretching exercises. There is preliminary evidence from another small study of mixed ability athletes to suggest that exercise to correct movement dysfunction could reduce time to return to full activity and the risk of re-injury. Further studies are required to check these findings. Until further evidence is available, current practice and widely published rehabilitation protocols cannot either be supported or refuted.

There is limited evidence to suggest that rate of recovery can be increased with an increased daily frequency of hamstring stretching exercises. Consideration should be given to the lumbar spine, sacroiliac and pelvic alignment and postural control mechanisms when managing hamstring injuries. Lumbar stability and pelvic motor control may also be factors in reducing the rate of recurrence of hamstring injury. Until further evidence is available, current practice and widely published rehabilitation protocols cannot either be supported or refuted.

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